This chapter is dedicated to BrilliantLady.


Chapter Nine

"May the hair on your toes never fall out!" ~ The Hobbit

It took multiple reassurances from Prince Legolas, Tauriel, Luthrin, and even the King, for Hathier to even consider getting on the horse to follow Galtara to Dale. There is also the simple fact that he has never ridden a horse before and the horses of Mirkwood are quite large. His entire being contrasts with the white mare, but Clarice - the name he chose for her - is good to him and allows him to pet her whenever he feels like it.

"It's about a two-hour journey to Dale" Galtara pats his horse - Cathel, Hathier learns - and sits up straight. "We will not cross the river until the end."

"Would crossing the river earlier make the journey quicker?" Hathier asks as he turns to give one more wave to the party seeing them off.

"In theory, yes, but we have no need to rush."

Hathier blinks. "Really?"

"Really."

"Oh, okay."

They travel in silence for most of the trip, but Hathier doesn't mind. He likes this view of the river and is quietly surprised that they aren't disturbed by any dark creatures. He shivers. If they were to come across a horde of spiders at one point, it would make for a very bad day. With the sun shining brightly in the cloudless sky, Hathier decides to strike up a conversation. finally.

"How long have you been a healer under King Thranduil?"

"Approximately five millennia. Why do you ask?"

Hathier blinks. "How old is the king?"

"A few years above his seventh millennia."

Leaning forward on his horse, he asks, "He's really that old?"

Galtara chuckles. "Elves age differently than the other races, Hathier. We live far longer than any of them."

"Too long," Hathier mumbles.

"I find myself agreeing," Galtara replies kindly. "We have witnessed the rise and fall of the ages, have lost comrades and family thousands of years ago, been through the worst of wars among other races and our own kin."

"Elves attacking elves? Why?"

Galtara pulls on the reins of Cathel so that he is side-by-side with Hathier and no longer ahead. "It is a long history that you will come to know of eventually, but an abridged version is that some of our kind are incredibly more selfish than others and disagreements can - and will - lead to death."

Hathier looks out towards the river, sees a few fish skip through water, and nods. "It must have been hard to build yourselves back up from that."

"It continues to be, Hathier. The leaders of the elven cities do not often communicate with each other unless absolutely necessary, with the exception of Lord Elrond of Rivendell and the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien. But even so, I am told that their relationship is strained."

"Are we allowed to talk about this?" Hathier asks quietly.

"The knowledge about their situation is known. Lord Elrond is married to the daughter of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, Lady Celebrían, and she gave him twin sons and a daughter. Upon taking a trip to visit her parents, she and her party were attacked and violated by orcs." Hathier flinches. "Lady Celebrían fell under the elven sickness and did not recover despite our best healers and she was sent to heal in the Grey Havens, or Mithlord."

"That's terrible!"

Galtara nods, appearing sad. "The sons, Elladan and Elrohir, spend much of their time hunting orcs and the daughter, Arwen Evenstar, remains in Lothlorien with her grandparents as far as I am aware."

"Prince Legolas knows Elladan and Elrohir," Hathier states. "He mentioned them in the past." Which is true to some extent, but the prince never went into much detail.

"Ah, yes. Those three used to get into a lot of trouble when they were much younger. It would be most unfortunate to fall into one of their pranks. The prince would visit Rivendell for entire seasons..." Galtara trails off.

"Why did he stop?"

"King Thranduil and Lord Elrond have, perhaps, the most strained relations among the oldest of our kin." He looks at Hathier. "Bad blood. And in some cases, their feelings got in the way of their son's friendship." He reaches over and pats Hathier's shoulder. "Let's keep this between the two of us."

"Of course."

Galtara nods before sighing. "Lord Elrond was a commanding officer under the King, Gil-Galad. His right hand in many cases. King Gil-Galad and Oropher, King Thranduil's father, struggled with balance. It reminds me of when you spoke of the founders of Hogwarts. Eventually, Oropher pulled away from King Gil-Galad and formed his own rule."

"He gave himself the title of king?"

"Yes, but due to this imbalance between himself and King Gil-Galad, it - "

" - carried over to King Thranduil and Lord Elrond."

"It's unfortunate," Galtara starts, "because they are equals in battle and their wives favored each other. King Thranduil's main reason for keeping Prince Legolas so close to Mirkwood is to keep him safe. Lord Elrond has a wife he will reunite with one day, King Thranduil does not. The prince's recent venture into the woods will only increase the king's worry."

"I know you're leaving plenty out because this is a complicated matter, but their situation is...incredibly sad."

"Very much so. The king and his son have a flickering relationship, but they do care deeply about each other and would, no doubt, be heartbroken if one were lost to the elven sickness or in combat."

They lapse into silence after that, each lost in their own thoughts. Hathier turns towards the river, blinking slowly.

Could I fall to the elven sickness?

His grief nearly ended him once.

Come ye' children,

To the marketplace, we go!

Where cakes and silks are sold,

To fill the empty heart. [1]

Hathier looks around in utter amazement at the hustle and bustle of the men and women covering Dale's marketplace. All sort stalls and booths are open for the public. Silks, food, weapons, books and scrolls, and jewelry captivate the people with earnest. The air is alight with ease, happiness, and the joy of a good weather day.

The sight is familiar and, for a brief moment, Hathier feels like he is back in Diagon Ally with Hagrid or the Weasleys. His smile eases up until his gaze glances around wistfully.

His shoulder is bumped.

"I did not invite you along to put you in a sour mood," Galtara states. He then reaches over and grabs the reins from Hathier's hands, urging his horse along until they are in front of the stables. Hathier remains silent. "Do you wish to stay with the horses?"

"Uh, no. I was just recalling something from my past."

"I...see - "

"Master Galtara!"

Both Hathier and Galtara turn around to see a young man racing towards them, long dark brown hair flapping in the wind without a care. When he gets closer, Hathier can't help but think he is handsome.

"Ah, good afternoon. How are you, little one?"

The man stops in front of them, scowl on his face. "I'm not so young anymore, but I am well." He turns to Hathier. "Who is your companion?"

"This is my friend, Hathier." Galtara places his hand comfortably on Hathier's shoulder. "Hathier, this is Rial. A sort of...apprentice of mine."

"Pleased to meet you."

Rial offers a smile that causes Hathier to look away, feeling his face heat up. "Charmed, Master Hathier."

"Oh, stop it." Galtara moves to be in front of Hathier. "You know better."

"I am only being polite." The innocent tone of his voice has Hathier peak over Galtara's shoulder. "You hardly bring companions with you to Dale."

"And for good reason, you mischievous child."

Rial sighs, clearly exasperated. "I am 24 summers. I am not a child."

"Hm, of course. Forgive me."

"Over the mountain and far away do the travelers come. Seeking shelter from the blistering world, to heal their heart - " Hathier turns towards the sound of the song to see a rather large group of people gathered around a young girl dressed in fine clothes, ribbons dawning her hair, twirling as she sings. "Here, you'll be safe. Here, you'll be warm. Here, your heart can heal."

"It seems Meline is feeling much better," Galtara comments from behind Hathier.

"Ay," Rial replies. "She's been out here several days now. The people have missed her."

"Hathier." Turning back around, Hathier gazes up at Galtara patiently. "I will be attending a meeting along with Rial. Go about the marketplace for now. I will find you later." He nods at the small pouch tied to Hathier's hip, the pouch containing his money.

"I," he pauses. Being left on his own isn't exactly what he wants, but Galtara did travel to Dale for business. "Alright. I hope your meeting goes well."

Galtara nods and turns away. Rial sends him a wink - to which Hathier promptly ignores - and moves to follow the elf. Left on his own, Hathier doesn't immediately start off in any direction. The surrounding people do cast him curious looks and he blames his hair for that. Wild and free-falling down his back, he didn't have the urge to put it in a ponytail for the trip.

Ignoring them, he decides to stroll around the area near the stables though, more often than not, he strides over to the young girl, Meline. There's something about her voice that sounds comforting. He sees the elderly sitting close to her, many with their eyes closed, nodding alone pleasantly. And for a moment, he is struck with sadness.

He'll live beyond all these people if he's lucky enough - "Oof!"

"I'm sorry," a voice squeaks.

Hathier looks down to see a little girl on the ground, basket turned over with food spilling out. Hathier is quick to gather the non-perishable foods into the basket and gently help her up. "Are you okay?"

The little girl nods before looking at her basket. "Oh no, the bread is bad."

And it's true when Hathier looks at it. It's covered in small bits of dirt and rock. "I'll replace it. Where did you get it?" She hesitates before pointing to the left of them. There's a small doorway with a little smoke streaming out of it. "Alright. Let's go."

It only takes a few seconds, but the little girl latches onto his hand. He is not the tallest of elves, but he's also not the shortest so it's not too awkward to have her hold his hand.

"Excuse me," he calls into the doorway. "I need to replace this young girl's bread."

"Oh, Eionen. You silly child. You need to - " The baker looks up and pauses and then proceeds to bow. "Master Elf, forgive this child."

"It's okay. I was equally, if not more, at fault. Please allow me to replace her bread." Hathier opens his pouch and pulls out a couple of sickles. "Will this cover it?"

The baker stares at the silver, completely surprised. "That's more than enough. She can have plenty."

Hathier smiles. "Thank you." He kneels in front of the girl. "Eionen, was it?" At her slow nod, he smiles encouragingly. "Pick out whatever you like, okay?"

"Truly?" She asks in this sweet, soft voice.

"Truly."

With a giggle, she wanders over to the different piles of bread on the counter and looks them over.

"It is kind of you to do that for her," the baker states quietly.

"As I mentioned, it was more or less my fault. I should have been more aware of my surroundings."

The baker only smiles in reply.

It's the small acts of kindness,

That save the world.

It starts a domino effect,

One greatly needed in everchanging life.

So be kind. [2]

"Will you be able to return home safely?" Hathier asks once they step outside of the bakery.

"Mhmm." She nods and smiles. "Thank you." Before Hathier can react, she turns, places her full basket on the ground, and launches herself at his legs, hugging them with all her might.

He pats her head gently. "My pleasure." He stands there for a moment as she walks away and can't fight the smile appearing on his face when the surrounding people nod their approval.

After that, Hathier just picks a random direction and starts walking. He passes some booths selling fine clothing and shiny jewelry, but they don't interest him enough. Really, he wants to find something for Teddy first and foremost, but nothing particularly catches his eye. Though people are incredibly kind when he stops to speak to them, he's left to his own devices.

Until something catches his eye in the last booth at end of the stone road. A rattle, beautifully painted and not so large, sticks out among a basket full of knickknacks. He moves to pick it up but hesitates. Would Teddy like a rattle? Would it be too big? He can easily cast a spell on it so that the paint doesn't chip.

"Do you have a child?" The woman behind the booth asks.

"No," Hathier replies and then shakes his head. "It's a bit more complicated than that. His birthday is approaching and I have yet to get him something."

The woman smiles encouragingly. "It's alright. How old is...he? She? Forgive me."

"It's alright. He's nearing his first year."

She picks up the rattle and gives it a little shake. Unlike other rattles he's heard in the past, this one tings like bells. It's an oddly pleasant sound. "My mother made this before passing away. It's not like others. Much more unique."

Hathier pulls several sickles out of his pouch. "Will this cover it?"

She waves his offer away. "You may have it." Hathier blinks.

Hathier blinks. "I can't just take it."

"No nonsense, Master Elf. Your kindness towards my daughter will feed us tonight and we have enough bread to last us many a day."

"Oh," Hathier replies, surprised. "You're Eionen's mother."

"Yes. I am called Methonen."

"Pleased to meet you," Hathier bows slightly. "My name is Hathier."

"Hero from a distant land?" She asks. "A rather unique name, even for an elf."

"It's a complicated story."

"Much like your not-child?"

Hathier finds himself returning her teasing smile before looking at the rattle in his hand. "Are you sure about this?"

"I insist."

He carefully puts the rattle in his pouch and offers her a kind smile. "Thank you. I am very grateful."

Methonen shakes her head. "No, Hathier. Thank you."

Good things come to those who wait,

Good things come to those who care,

Good things come to those who try. [3]

"I did not mean to leave you on your own for too long," Galtara states before drinking from his water pouch. "Meetings tend to fall off schedule when no one can agree or even agree to disagree."

"What was it about if you don't mind me asking?"

Galtara leans back. Behind him, the sun is setting and the sky is filled with varying ranges of orange and purple and red. It's really pretty, something Hathier enjoys when given the change. "Medical skill, technique, and more." He huffs in annoyance. "I like to think myself a patient being, but some...creatures like to test my patience."

Hathier chuckles quietly. "I understand."

"How did you spend your afternoon? Do you like Dale's marketplace?"

"It was a peaceful afternoon for the most part. I bumped into a little girl and replaced the bread that fell out of her basket and received a rattle as payment for doing by the mother after I came across her booth."

"A rattle?" Galtara blinks, confused.

"For my godson. He'll be a year old soon and I wanted to get him something treasurable."

"I see - " Galtara pauses and closes his eyes as if fighting off a headache.

"Is something wrong?"

"You have an admirer," he replies simply.

Hathier sighs. "Is it Rial?"

"Yes."

"I'm not interested."

"I am aware." Galtara opens his eyes and looks over his shoulder pointedly. "You wear your emotions on your sleeve."

"Romance is not something I need in my life right now. Besides," Hathier accepts the water pouch, "I don't want to be with someone who can't live alongside me. I don't need any more heartbreak in my life."

"If that is the case, you should never venture outside the comfort of your home," Galtara says this with a sad smile. "Elves live far beyond any other race, Hathier. Dwarves are lucky to reach 300 years, men lucky to reach 100, and hobbits lucky to reach 150. You will, perhaps, meet many of them during your travels and befriend them. Perhaps, fall in love. They do not have timeless lives and when they pass, it stays with you."

Hathier hesitates. "You sound as if you're...speaking from experience."

Galtara rests his head against the stone wall behind them and nods. "I had two close friends who eventually became my lovers, both of the race of men, a woman and a man, at different times. I loved - still love - them dearly and I treasure every memory I have of our time together, but I knew what would happen in the end."

"And yet, you still did it."

"Yes, I still did it."

Hathier finally takes a drink from the pouch in his hands before handing it back. "Do you have any regrets?"

"I would never regret either of them."

He feels the corner of his mouth twitch. "I'm glad."

"You have more than enough to find someone if you wish, Hathier. There is no hurry. You are new and quite young. There's more to Middle Earth than finding love."

"I would hope so," Hathier laughs a little.

"Although," Galtara starts, "you may want to make yourself clear with Rial. He seems awfully interested and he's heading this way. He seems very determined."

"I never thought I'd be placed in a situation like this. Usually, people didn't want to be near me most of the time."

"I have told him to stay away from you, but he doesn't listen. Once his mind is set, he's determined to get his way. Such a mind is fantastic in the Healing House."

"Not so fantastic outside of it, I suspect."

Galtara nods. "Rather annoying at times. He's such a child."

"I'm a child."

"Through your transition, but you are far more mature than he is and your life is very much different."

"I - " He pauses when Rial stops in front of them, grinning down a Hathier.

"Good evening, Master Galtara, Master Hathier. How are you both?"

Hathier sees Galtara roll his eyes good-naturedly out of the corner of his eye. "We are good, Rial. What can we do for you?"

"Oh, I thought I could get to know Master Hathier more. If you don't mind?" He looks at Hathier, one eyebrow raised.

"I will not fall into bed with you," Hathier deadpans. Rial's eyes widen comically while Galtara turns away quickly to hide his amused face. "You are handsome, but I am not interested."

"Perhaps, not now." Rial recovers quickly. "The future is not set in stone."

Hathier looks him up and down. "I prefer my male lovers to be taller." Galtara snickers under his breath.

Rial's mouth falls open and then he looks offended. "I have a good height!" But when Hathier stands up, he towers over Rial by a foot. Something Hathier didn't notice earlier.

"I'll make you see reason!"

Hathier cocks an eyebrow. "The fates are not in your favor."

Rial inhales sharply before his shoulders slump. "Friends then?" There is still determination in his eyes.

"That's better. I'd like that." Hathier returns the smile he receives.

"Are either of your hungry? The bonfire in the city center is starting soon."

Hathier looks to Galtara, questioning. Galtara nods. "We have some time to spare."

"Excellent."

Put aside today's troubles,

They are tomorrow's worries.

Enjoy yourself,

Find peace,

You'll be okay. [4]

The experience is excellent: the food is wonderful, the music is hearty, and the wine delicious - or so he is told. Rial tired more than once to get Hathier to drink a glass but he steadily turned them down.

"It takes quite a bit to get elves drunk. One pint wouldn't harm you," Galtara mentions as they head towards the stables.

"I'm not one for wine, or any sort of alcohol, really. I've never really had the taste."

"Elves like their wine," Galtara mutters under his breath.

"And clearly men do as well."

"Oh yes, but they tell the most interesting stories when drunk." They share a laugh.

"Rial seemed to enjoy himself despite, you know, passing out an hour into the event. I feel a little bad for leaving before he wakes up."

"He will learn from this," Galtara states firmly. "Do not drink yourself into a stupor when you've just made a friend."

Hathier laughs. "I'll come back."

"Indeed."

Retrieving their horses is a simple matter. "I'm glad we're going back at night," Hathier says as he mounts his and gives her a solid part to the neck.

"Why is that?"

"I'm not sure how to explain it. I just like traveling at night." As they exit the city of Dale, Hathier smiles at the stragglers and offers a few waves to the children who wave goodbye.

"What is your opinion of Dale, Hathier?" Galtara has them heading towards the river.

"Mostly good."

"Mostly?"

"I, er, wanted to meet a dwarf."

"You wanted to meet a dwarf," Galtara deadpans.

Hathier slowly. "I thought it would be cool to meet one."

"'Cool?'"

"Meaning, nice or pleasant."

"Well, there will certainly be opportunities in the future."

Friendships come and go,

But I hope the one we share stays.

It's built on mutual appreciation,

Maybe love one day. [5]

"Is it true?" Prince Legolas asks him the following day when he walks into the garden. "Did you really hope to meet a dwarf?"

"Good morning to you as well, Your Highness. I'm doing lovely. Thank you for asking." He looks up to see Prince Legolas grinning at him. "And to answer your question, then yes. I really wanted to meet a dwarf."

"Why?"

Hathier shrugs as he snips away at overgrown branches. "I've never met a dwarf before."

"Of all creatures, you pick a dwarf." The prince shakes his head in mock-disappointment. "Why not a hobbit?"

"Luthrin mentioned in passing that hobbits don't leave their settlements?"

"Ay, it is true. But elves and dwarves do not have the closest of connections. We work at, mostly, a pure business relationship."

Hathier hums. "I'll still meet one eventually."

Eventually," Prince Legolas agrees. "Now, tell me about this admirer?"

"Does Galtara believe in gossip?"

"You do not fool me, Hathier. You know we would have asked."

"A man by the name of Rial took interest in me and I set him straight. Now I can only hope that he'll stay true to his word and we become friends."

"I see."

"I'm not actively looking for love, Your Highness. I have other things to worry about." Prince Legolas nods slowly. "And one of those things is hoping that you and everyone will be ready to leave when I travel back to my old world."

"You can take us with you?"

"Of course," Hathier stops to look at him. "I think it will be an interesting experience for all of us."


1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 - I wrote the lyrics. And yes, I messed with the lore. Why? Because I can. That's the beauty of being a fanfic writer, right? A couple of things: 1) Check my profile for update information & 2) If you want me to reply to you privately, put an asterisk (*) at the beginning or end of your review (it helps me keep track of replies). If you have the time, please review.

~i-just-really-like-sakura